This year I celebrate 10 years of working for Julia’s House The Dorset & Wiltshire Children's Hospices and, just when I’m about to hang up my running shoes, I get a place in the London Marathon.  So - what better way to mark this auspicious occasion ?

My 10 years have been truly inspirational  - the families I have met, the nurses and carers I’ve worked alongside and the great Dorset (and now Wiltshire) community without whom Julia’s House wouldn’t exist.

I was catapulted into the running world when I first joined Julia’s House. As charity of the year for Poole Festival of Running, there was an expectation that a staff member would run the race.  The finger was firmly pointed at me, despite having never run anything –apart from a sack race in the school sports day. 

As a self-confessed fitness fanatic, I am found every morning at 6am in the gym (yes, really!) – pumping iron, doing circuits,  boxing, spinning -  all before my day in the Julia’s House office kicks off !

So now  I have the ultimate special challenge – to complete the London Marathon in one piece and raise the target I have set myself.  I’ve already overcome my first setback – a 3 month knee injury which, with the help of my personal trainer, Kris, I have recovered from. 

Liz Yelling, UK marathon runner and Julia’s House Patron, has
agreed to mentor my running training (poor girl !).

I'd love to raise £5000 for Julia’s House which could pay for 4 fun-filled days at the hospice for 8 children, including play and complementary therapies, supported by our Care Team.   With only 6% statutory funding from government, Julia's House relies on public support to maintain this crucial service which provides a lifeline to families facing immeasurable challenges on a daily basis. 

I am determined, committed and completely mad but the promise of a glass of fizz at the finish will propel me down the Mall !

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  To find out more about Julia's House visit: www.juliashouse.org 

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